University of Alaska will start search for permanent UAF chancellor

December 7, 2016

Carla Browning

University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen announced today that the university will launch a search early next year seeking a permanent chancellor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

While the search will be national in scope, Johnsen said the preferred candidate will have Alaska-related experience. “The search committee will be looking for a leader who is dynamic and innovative, with a diverse background, a deep knowledge of Alaska and the skills and experience necessary to lead our Arctic university,” Johnsen said. “UAF deserves no less.”

A search committee is currently being formed. The chancellor position will be posted on the university’s job site and advertised in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, as well as in the Chronicle of Higher Education, in early January.

Johnsen plans to name the new chancellor before July 1, 2017. Current interim Chancellor Dana Thomas has agreed to stay until a permanent chancellor is in place. "Chancellor Thomas is doing a great job in the interim role and we appreciate his ongoing commitment to to UAF.” Johnsen said.

Thomas succeeded Mike Powers, who stepped down from his interim chancellor position on Aug. 14, 2016.

Updates and information about the chancellor search, including search committee members, will be posted at http://uaf.edu/chancellor/search/

For more information contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-786-1190 or 907-360-2416 (cell).